Release Date: July 16, 2021
Label: Ponderosa
Music Records
Website: https://www.rickykej.com
https://www.stewartcopeland.net
This year, there was quite a buzz about Divine Tides from the Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej collaboration. Stewart is a renowned drummer with The Police and many other projects over the years. Ricky Kej has made his impressions in the new age realm with award winning releases. I was about to experience what all the excitement was about…
Divine Tides brings the color of humanity and all its cultures into the album covers artwork. It is one of the more imaginative, eye-catching works of art I have viewed this year.
The nine tracks encompassing this recording is a new age world montage with superb vocals from a range of talented individuals, including Rasika Shekar, Varijashree Venugopal, Sangeeta Kaur, Vidhi Sharma, Salim Merchant, and Charanraj MR. These are the lead vocalist on the tracks.
There are several other key contributors on backing vocals, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs on "A Prayer," which is a fantastic track. It is full of uplifting energy and color, much like the artwork depicted on the cover. I have to say, even though I could not understand the language they were singing in, I found it very enjoyable and spiritually moving. The entire album is a masterpiece of new age world, and I would expect it to win a Grammy in the new age or world category for 2021. I have heard some incredible music this year that would be difficult to displace on my top 10 for the year in the new age genre; however, I have to say this one just moved into the #1 spot for me.
The previously mentioned attributes, such as the artwork, is the first aspect then from there are the superb arrangements from Ricky Kej and the incredible percussive elements from Stewart Copeland. Stewart mentioned that he harnessed his aggressive drum playing into a gentle beauty. That was quite a transition for him, and I can imagine a life-changing experience.
The production of each track is outstanding; it is bright, flows well, and gets your attention from start to finish. The musicianship is unparalleled. The CD comes housed in a tri-fold cardboard case with a booklet in the adjacent sleeve to the clear CD tray, which has a picture of the percussion instruments with a kaleidoscope of color emerging from it. That description would express all the music and artwork in this package and how it intersects into a beautiful work of all-encompassing art.
Here is the message from Kej regarding the title: ONE WITH SELF, ONE WITH TIME, ONE WITH OUR PLANET. Is that the reason we are all here? Is it to become one, merge with our fellow humans, and find peace and harmony for all? Imagine a world with no wars, no starvation, or diseases?
It could happen if we listen to these enlightened artists and follow the music to realize a new reality; we all can have it.
The Divine Tides of nature, the planet, humanity, and the innate goodness within our hearts will help us find our way back to oneness. Together with all the elements around us, we can positively influence life now and in the future. This music is awe-inspiring, and it delivers the truth and spirit of us all directly to our ears and then to our souls. Listen to Divine Tides, and I am confident you will agree.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
December 15, 2021
Tracks:
1. Wonders Of Life
2. Himalayas
3. Our Home
4. Art Of Devotion
5. Pastoral India
6. I Am Change (2021 Remastered)
7. A Prayer
8. Gandhi
9. Mother Earth